REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Arsenal's lengthy pursuit of an exciting EFL Championship youngster has paid off, and they have landed the highly-rated forward.
While the Gunners have been busy strengthening Mikel Arteta's senior squad, they have also been focusing on improving their youth options. They were keen on signing Leicester City's Jeremy Monga but missed out on the 17-year-old to Manchester City.
Monga hasn't been the only teenage prospect on the Premier League champions' radar as they have been eyeing Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyon over the past couple of transfer windows. Having failed with previous bids for the young forward, they have now sealed a deal.
Arsenal Set To Announce Tyjon Signing
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
According to The Athletic, Arsenal agreed a deal with Blackburn for Tyon on Friday and the 18-year-old underwent a medical that same day. Barring any issues in those medical examinations, he will be confirmed as a new signing for the North Londoners.
Tyon is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English football, having already earned three appearances for Rovers' senior team. He arrived at Ewood Park in the summer of 2023 and quickly caught the eye with 13 goals in 33 games for the U21's.
The England U18 international possesses a versatile profile, able to play up front, in attacking midfield and on the wing. He switched nationalities after representing Poland at the U16 level and has since featured at U16, U17, and U18 levels as a Young Lion.
Standard Sport reports that the two clubs have agreed on a £1 million up-front payment and a further £2m in add-ons. Confirmation of his arrival at the Emirates is expected early next week.
Gunners Building For Future With Three Youth Signings
REUTERS/Chris Radburn
There is plenty of excitement surrounding Tyjon amid his move to Arsenal and he is definitely one to watch. It's important that Arteta's transfer chiefs keep the future in mind while looking to build on last season's Premier League triumph and this is the type of signing that does just that.
Former Blackburn boss John Eustace has long expected the youngster to shine and fulfil his potential. He pointed out his mentality while speaking back in September 2024:
"Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club... He is certainly one for the future."
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Igor Tyjon (Blackburn U21) Stat
Total Blackburn U21 Appearances 34
Total Blackburn U21 Goals 13
2025–26 PL2 Goals 4
2025–26 PL2 Assists 2
Tyjon will likely have to wait a while for a run in Arsenal's first team, but he could relish the opportunity to lead the line at U21 level. He's not the only teenager who is close to joining the club's academy, as Standard Sport reports that Manchester United's Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon are headed to the Emirates.